The standard for turn-time benchmarks. Late-game turns require huge CPU throughput to process AI moves. High-resolution textures also demand a fair amount of VRAM.
Actual FPS may vary based on RAM speed, background processes, and other system factors
Performance Report
At 1080p, performance runs at around 56 FPS. At 1440p, frame rates range from 26 to 47 FPS. At 4K, frame rates range from 12 to 25 FPS.
The GeForce RTX 4090 is 539% above the recommended GPU (GeForce GTX 770) for Civilization VI. The Core i3-3210 is 62% below recommended, but 13% above minimum.
The Core i3-3210 sets the FPS ceiling at all 1080p settings, all 1440p settings, all 4k settings, while the GeForce RTX 4090 still has headroom.
Approximated average price on current market:
Combo price: $1674. At 1080p Ultra, this combo delivers 56 FPS, equivalent to 0.03 FPS per dollar.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 0.033 fps/$ | 0.033 fps/$ | 0.033 fps/$ | 0.033 fps/$ |
| 1440p | 0.028 fps/$ | 0.025 fps/$ | 0.021 fps/$ | 0.016 fps/$ |
| 4k | 0.015 fps/$ | 0.013 fps/$ | 0.010 fps/$ | 0.007 fps/$ |
* Table values represent FPS per Dollar (higher is better)
This section is based on estimated CPU/GPU FPS ceilings, not utilization percentages.
At 4k ultra, the Core i3-3210 sets the ceiling at about 12 FPS, while the GeForce RTX 4090 could reach 97 FPS. In this scenario, the CPU limits the GPU potential by 88% (FPS gap: 85 FPS). Overall distribution: CPU limits 12/12 cells, GPU limits 0/12, balanced 0/12.
Your Core i3-3210 is the limiting side in the heaviest mismatch. This means part of the GeForce RTX 4090 rendering potential remains unused in those settings.
| Resolution | Low | Medium | High | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | CPU Limits GPU 84% | CPU Limits GPU 81% | CPU Limits GPU 78% | CPU Limits GPU 74% |
| 1440p (2K QHD) | CPU Limits GPU 78% | CPU Limits GPU 78% | CPU Limits GPU 78% | CPU Limits GPU 80% |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | CPU Limits GPU 85% | CPU Limits GPU 85% | CPU Limits GPU 86% | CPU Limits GPU 88% |
We estimate the maximum FPS the processor can sustain and the maximum FPS the graphics card can sustain in each setting, then compare those limits directly.
Limit Factor formula: (stronger - weaker) / stronger. Example: if CPU ceiling is 200 FPS and GPU ceiling is 140 FPS, then GPU limits CPU by 30%.
CPU Limits GPU means the processor ceiling is lower. GPU Limits CPU means the graphics ceiling is lower. Balanced means the FPS ceilings are close enough that the gap is negligible.
A component can still be the FPS limiter without reaching 100% utilization. The displayed percentages are derived from FPS ceilings, not generic utilization heuristics.
See how your processor and graphics card compare against the game official minimum and recommended system specs. The placement of your hardware is calculated using relative synthetic performance scores to help you gauge overall playability.
Your CPU is 62% below recommended and your GPU is 539% below recommended, but both meet minimum specs. Playable at Low/Medium settings, 1080p or below.
-62%vsrecommended
+539%vsrecommended
+13%vsminimum
+2751%vsminimum
The Core i3-3210 and GeForce RTX 4090 will struggle to run Civilization VI at smooth framerates. At 1080p Ultra, you can expect around 56 FPS which is classified as "playable". Consider lowering settings or upgrading your hardware.
This CPU + GPU combo costs approximately $1674 ($25 CPU + $1649 GPU (Rank #77 Value)). Since the CPU is the main limiting factor, investing in a stronger processor will improve your framerates and overall value. For example, the Ryzen 9 9950X is a great upgrade option for around $649 (Rank #5 for value).
For Civilization VI, upgrading the CPU would have the biggest impact on performance. The Core i3-3210 is currently the limiting factor — the GeForce RTX 4090 has extra headroom that a faster processor could take advantage of. This is especially noticeable at 1080p where CPU performance matters more. CPU-limited at: 1080p low, 1080p medium, 1080p high, 1080p ultra, 1440p low, 1440p medium, 1440p high, 1440p ultra, 4k low, 4k medium, 4k high, 4k ultra.
Civilization VI does not currently support Frame Generation technologies like DLSS 3 or FSR 3. Your performance is based entirely on native rendering. If the game adds support in a future update, newer GPUs will benefit the most.
Civilization VI requires at minimum a Core i3-2120 (CPU) and GeForce GTS 450 (GPU) with 4 GB RAM and 12 GB storage. For the recommended experience, you need a Core i5-4xxx and GeForce GTX 770 with 8 GB RAM. Your setup meets the minimum requirements but falls short of the recommended specs. You may need to lower some settings for smooth performance.
These Civilization VI FPS results are not arbitrary numbers. They come from calculations informed by thousands of real gaming benchmarks, and the typical accuracy range is around 10% to 15%. That makes them far more useful than generic FPS calculators that simply invent values without a benchmark foundation. Actual in-game performance can still vary with drivers, updates, RAM configuration, cooling, and the exact scene being rendered.
Performance estimates are based on synthetic benchmarks and hardware capabilities.
Results may vary based on drivers, OS, and background processes.
